T +44 (0) 1243 868080
F +44 (0) 1243 871667
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday
8.30am - 5.30pm
Saturday
8.30am - 4.00pm
(Exc. Bank Holidays)
- 01 January 1970
- Days
- £
Ref · Single room supplement NIL
Belstead Brook
Originally a 16th Century hunting lodge, and situated in 9 acres of mature woodland on the outskirts of Ipswich, Belstead Brook has contemporary comforts and has kept much of its historic charm, including the oak-panelled restaurant and library with Victorian stained glass. Leisure facilities include indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym. All rooms are equipped with TV, telephone, hairdryer, ironing facilities and hospitality tray. The hotel has a lift, but there are some steps to access the restaurant.
ITINERARY
Day 1 We travel east via the Dartford Crossing for a late lunch stop in Chelmsford. We continue into Suffolk reaching our hotel on the edge of Ipswich late afternoon.
Day 2 Today we travel to Sudbury, the birthplace of Gainsborough, before our tour continues through Long Melford, Cavendish and Clare. We visit Ickworth House, an elegant Italianate house and gardens set within spectacular ‘Capability Brown’ parkland. The house contains a fine collection of old masters, silver and regency furniture.
Day 3 This morning we have a guided tour of Constable Country with a visit to the unspoilt village of Flatford, home to the 18th Century mill made famous by Constable. We travel through East Bergholt and on to Dedham for our lunch stop. We then have a scenic drive through the beautiful Suffolk countryside taking in Nayland, before reaching Lavenham, with its half timbered buildings and famous crooked house.
Day 4 We travel to the Suffolk Heritage Coast and Snape Maltings – a wonderful collection of craft shops, galleries and cafés housed in renovated Victorian granaries overlooking the River Alde. We then visit the seaside resort of Aldeburgh, with its upspoilt sea front, little changed since Victorian times. In the afternoon we take a two hour cruise on the River Deben at Waldringfield and enjoy afternoon tea on board.
Day 5 We have a morning in the historic Roman town of Colchester. Visit the shops, the cathedral, or the famous Beth Chatto Gardens and tea rooms. The afternoon is free to enjoy the leisure facilities at our hotel.
Day 6 We depart after breakfast and make our way back to the local area with suitable refreshment stops along the way.